Welcome to the Department of Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare competent
dental hygiene professionals, capable of providing quality dental hygiene care in
a variety of settings within a changing health care system, and a culturally diverse
society. Students gain skills and knowledge required to take the National Dental Hygiene
Board and Commission on Dental Competency Assessment, and learn to practice in a manner
consistent with the highest standards set forth by the ADA/CODA, ADHA, OSHA, CDC,
EPA and Massachusetts General Laws pertinent to health care providers/settings, including
the State Dental Practice Act. Service-learning is infused in the Dental Hygiene coursework
including the clinical experiences.

Students who wish to pursue a career as a dental hygienist in public health, health
management, forensics, health education or dental hygiene education are encouraged
to transfer to a baccalaureate program after graduation.

According to the 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national dental hygiene average
wage was $72,330 and the Massachusetts state average for full-time hygienists was
$80,590 with a median hourly wage of $38.75. Job prospects are expected to be favorable
in most areas, but will vary by geographical location. Because graduates are permitted
to practice only in the state in which they are licensed, hygienists wishing to practice
in areas that have an abundance of dental hygiene programs may experience strong competition
for jobs. By the year 2024 the national employment for dental hygienists trend is
expected to increase by 19%. At this time, full-time opportunities are fewer than
in past years where part-time and temporary employment is slightly more available.

Students must complete a Student Health Record in order to participate in clinical
education. This form is confidential and will be kept on file at the Center for Health
& Wellness. Only pertinent information that may be determined as creating special
needs in planning the clinical experience will be shared with the program coordinator.
For more information on what is included and required of the Student Health Record,
please contact the Center for Health & Wellness.

All information regarding the health status on an individual is considered confidential,
and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1994.

Once admitted, Dental Hygiene Students purchase their own instruments and supplies,
as well as lab coat laundry service as coordinated through the dental hygiene department.
Supply kit payments are due in full prior to the start of each indicated semester,
and prices are approximate as follows:

Fall Year 1 - $1700

Spring Year 1 - $700

Fall Year 2 - $700

Accreditation and Licensure

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized
accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and by
the United States Department of Education.

Dental Hygiene Applications

Admission requirements and due dates for the Dental Hygiene Program may be found by
clicking here. 32 students are admitted to the professional class in the Fall semester only.

Dental hygiene services are available to the public in our Dental Hygiene Clinic.
Fall clinic appointments are available on Wednesdays and Fridays. Spring appointments
are available Tuesday through Friday. To make an appointment, please call the clinic
phone/voicemail at 978-656-3250.